How Spravato Treatment in New Jersey Might Benefit You

If you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression or are concerned for a loved one whose antidepressant medication isn’t working, don’t lose hope. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a nasal spray specifically designed for those whose antidepressants are ineffective at relieving their symptoms. Here’s some information about Spravato® from the caring professionals at Oasis Mental Health Centers in New Jersey.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato is an esketamine nasal spray manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. Esketamine, derived from ketamine, has been shown to be effective in treating people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t experienced relief after taking two or more antidepressants for at least six weeks each.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that an estimated 21 million U.S. adults suffer from major depressive disorder. Additionally, research reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that at least 30% of those diagnosed with MDD also have treatment-resistant depression. This occurs when a person with MDD has an inadequate response to at least two antidepressants.

Esketamine is derived from ketamine. Ketamine is an anesthetic that has also been found to be effective in treating depression. However, esketamine is more potent than ketamine and can provide relief at a lower dose.

How Does Spravato Work?

With Spravato, esketamine is delivered through a nasal spray. This allows for rapid relief of depressive symptoms. Through double-blind clinical studies of Spravato’s efficacy, Johnson & Johnson found that individuals who used Spravato experienced relief from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) within 24 hours. At the fourth week, 22.5% of those who took Spravato experienced remission from depression as compared to 7.6% of those who took a placebo.

As a result of the clinical studies, the FDA expanded its approval of Spravato to treat TRD in January 2025. Spravato can now be prescribed as a monotherapy or stand-alone treatment for this condition.

While mainline antidepressant drugs increase the body’s production of natural messenger chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, to reduce depressive symptoms, Spravato works differently. Instead, it targets glutamate, the most prevalent messenger chemical in the brain. As a result, esketamine affects a greater number of brain cells for more relief.

What Does Spravato Treatment Involve?

Spravato can be administered only under a doctor’s supervision. You’ll first need a consultation with the mental health professionals at Oasis Mental Health Centers. Your doctor will assess your condition, symptoms, and health history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Spravato.

If you and your doctor agree that Spravato is the right option for your treatment-resistant depression, you’ll be scheduled for Spravato treatment. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from your appointment because the medication can cause you to feel disoriented for a couple of hours.

During your session, you’ll be taken to a calm, relaxing room. Medical professionals will check your blood pressure and ensure you’re safe. You’ll administer three sprays of Spravato in each nostril. The medication might make you feel drowsy.

During the process, your medical team will monitor you. You can read or meditate. You won’t be able to drive a vehicle for the rest of the day.

You’ll complete several sessions each week for the first month. After that, you’ll attend sessions much less frequently to maintain symptom relief. The number of sessions will depend on your doctor’s recommendations in your custom care plan.

Who Is Eligible for Spravato?

To be eligible for Spravato, you must have treatment-resistant depression. This means that you haven’t experienced significant relief from your depressive symptoms after trying at least two different oral antidepressants, each for six weeks or more.

Since Spravato can cause an increase in blood pressure, it’s not recommended for those who have cardiovascular disease. Pregnant women also can’t take Spravato because of potential harm to the developing fetus. Those who have a history of psychosis will need to be monitored closely because of this medication’s potential to cause disorientation. Finally, people with a history of substance abuse shouldn’t take Spravato because it can be habit-forming.

Potential Side Effects of Spravato

It’s important to understand the potential side effects of Spravato before you begin this treatment. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Dissociation
• Increase in blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

In most cases, these side effects are mild and subside over the first few hours following treatment. Your doctor will thoroughly explain the potential side effects so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for you.

Get Help From Oasis Mental Health Centers in New Jersey

Struggling with treatment-resistant depression can be overwhelming. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to alleviate your symptoms or help your loved one, you might consider Spravato as an option.

At Oasis Mental Health Centers, our caring mental health professionals understand how treatment-resistant depression can affect your life. To learn more about Spravato and whether it’s the right choice for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

References

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/211243s016lbl.pdf

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

https://www.ajmc.com/view/esketamine-approved-by-fda-as-first-monotherapy-for-treatment-resistent-depression

The Spravato Treatment Process: What to Expect During Your Sessions

https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com/what-to-expect-at-your-first-spravato-treatment-session/